Pakistan Shaheens to take on Bangladesh 'A' in first four-day today

 Pakistan Shaheens to take on  Bangladesh 'A' in first four-day today

Eight players from Pakistan's Shaheens and six players from Bangladesh's "A" squad have been nominated to the ICC World Test Championship series, which begins on August 21.

Action photos will be provided by PCB, and scorecards can be found here. 

Islamabad, 12 August 2024:

The first four-day encounter between the Pakistan Shaheens cricket team and Bangladesh 'A' will take place at the Islamabad Club on August 13–16. On August 20–23, the second four-day match will take place at the same location. The most recent series between the two teams was a two-match set in Darwin, Australia, that finished 1-1.

The players on the rosters of both Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh 'A' are expected to compete in the ICC World Test Championship, which is scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi and Karachi on August 21–25 and August 30–September, respectively. This is because, since January and March, respectively, neither Pakistan nor Bangladesh have participated in a Test match. Bangladesh's previous participation in the current ICC World Test Championship cycle was against Sri Lanka at home in March, while Pakistan's most recent Test match was against Australia in Sydney.
Saud Shakeel (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Sarfaraz Ahmed are the Pakistan Shaheens' probable test players. The Bangladesh "A" players who will join the Test team after the four-day match are Hasan Mahmud, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan, and Zakir Hasan.

The host team will be captained by Saud Shakeel, who was selected Pakistan's vice-captain for the Test series and who captained Shaheen's red-ball team against Sri Lanka 'A' in October–November 2021. Bangladesh 'A' will be led by Anamul Haque, who has played for his country in 74 international matches to date.

The Shaheens have participated in six four-day matches during the last three years, winning three, losing one, and drawing two. Under the direction of head coach Umar Gul, the Shaheens started getting ready for the red-ball series on August 7 at the Islamabad Club. On August 10, Bangladesh 'A' arrived in Islamabad.

As a precaution, Sameen Gul has been removed from the Shaheens roster. Soon, a replacement will be revealed.

Saud Shakeel, captain of the Pakistan Shaheens

"I consider it an honor to be the team captain of Pakistan Shaheens. I've had a couple previous experiences as this team's leader. Being captain always makes me more involved in the game than usual, so I always like it.

Given that a few of the players haven't played red-ball cricket in a while, this four-day series is vital. In light of this, the game that begins on Tuesday will provide the Test probables with a crucial chance to prepare for the nine ICC World Test Championship Tests that lie ahead.

Bangladesh is always competitive, especially when it comes to spin. We are eager to take up the task here at home.

Captain of Bangladesh's "A," Anamul Haque

"We are thrilled to be taking against the Pakistan Shaheens in their own backyard. The Shaheens team appears formidable, particularly in the fast bowling division. The initial four-day tournament is going to be quite difficult because both sides have a lot of experience.

"This series is also important for young players who want to make an impression on the senior team and for Bangladeshi players who want to get ready for the next Test series."

Pakistan Shaheens squad (for first four-day match):  Saud Shakeel (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper),  Saad Khan and Umar Amin

Bangladesh ‘A’ squad (for first four-day match):  Anamul Haque (captain), Hasan Mahmud, Hasan Murad, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Tanvir Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Ruyel Miah, Sahadat Hossain, Zakir Hasan

Match officials: Faisal Aafreedi and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Nadeem Arshad (match referee)